Many teams didn’t know where things would stand after the 2025 WNBA Finals, especially the Phoenix Mercury.
The collective bargaining agreement hadn’t been finalized yet, which meant a 2026 season wasn’t guaranteed, and most of the league’s players were set to become unrestricted free agents.
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The CBA deadline kept getting pushed back, but eventually, a deal was done in late March, setting the stage for a short, but packed offseason.
“It was a long offseason,” Mercury star Alyssa Thomas said. “It was a waiting game and trying to figure out and get what we deserve.
“I think everybody did a great job of staying together, and as we see, it’s a historic year for us. I’m super proud of all the people that were involved in it, and now we’re here and we’re doing things you haven’t seen in professional sports. I’m just really excited for this season.”
Teams lost several players to the expansion draft, but saw more losses in free agency. The WNBA’s increased salary cap dismantled teams as players sought better-paying opportunities.
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The Mercury, however, didn’t lose much in the offseason and retained all but one of the five starters from that Finals team.
Thomas, who finished third in MVP voting last season, didn’t see any reason to leave after spending one season with the Mercury. The 34-year-old signed a three-year, $3.6 million contract, with the hopes of finishing her career in Phoenix.
“I think I’ve shown to be loyal to a team,” she said. “Last year, it was my decision in choosing the team that I wanted to finish my career with. So, it was an easy no-brainer.”
With Thomas, the Mercury kept two of last season’s Big 3 that also featured Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally, with Copper signing a two-year, $2.46 million contract.
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But Sabally, citing the time difference with her family in Germany, signed with the New York Liberty.
Kahleah Copper speaks to the media during the Mercury training camp for the 2026 season at Mountain America Performance Center on April 19, 2026, in Phoenix.
“Everyone was a free agent and everyone is always going to do what’s best for them,” Copper said. “I think it’s important that you always do what’s best for you, no matter what that is. You come first.
“I just wish her nothing but love, and she’s going to be incredible.”
Sabally led the team in scoring with 16.3 points per game in the regular season and 19.0 points in 10 postseason games. Her 7.0 rebounds were second only to Thomas in the playoffs.
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But with the constant injuries last season, Thomas isn’t too concerned about any drop-off in performance without Sabally’s impact.
“We’re going to continue to do what we do,” Thomas said. “I think we showed last year with people in and out of the lineup, we’re capable of a lot of things, and we’re just going to continue to move forward, and we wish her the best of luck.”
The Mercury brought back a sizable core. Starting point guard Monique Akoa Makani, center Natasha Mack, forward DeWanna Bonner, guard Sami Whitcomb and forward Kathryn Westbeld all opted to return.
Head coach Nate Tibbetts leads practice at Mercury training camp for the 2026 season at Mountain America Performance Center on April 19, 2026, in Phoenix.
The Mercury didn’t go after WNBA free agents and instead went for international talent that suited Thomas. One of the biggest signings was French forward Valeriane Ayayi, who played with Thomas for three seasons in Prague.
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“We’re very familiar with each other and definitely one of my favorite teammates,” Thomas said. “Super versatile. … She can shoot the 3, loves to defend. Both of us together, we’re fiery, so just excited with what edge she brings to this team.”
It’s only the first day of training camp, but Thomas and Copper remember where things stood on the first day of the 2025 training camp.
Copper was one of only two returnees for last season, but still believed in the team’s future.
“There was nothing we couldn’t do. We were doubted from the beginning of the season because of our roster,” Copper said. “People talked about the moves we made in that offseason, but we were able to get to the Finals. Not one single person had us going to the Finals.
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“That’s the credit to our front office, the coaches, and to us sticking together and believing in what we can do.”
Reach the reporter or send tips for stories at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com, as well as @jennarortiz on X.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Mercury find continuity following WNBA Finals loss
